Google may beat Apple to the high-resolution 7-inch form factor tablet market with a revamped Nexus 7 in the second quarter of 2013 according to NPD DisplaySearch. Google’s high-res tablet is expected to release just before the launch of a Retina display-toting next-generation iPad mini, which is said to be released in either the third or fourth quarter of 2013.

According to CNET, the supply chain checks point to a possible third quarter production for the so called “iPad mini 2” which is rumored to come packed with a Retina display. The estimate seems to be in line with a previous report from KGI analyst, Ming-Chi Kuo, who said that he expects a Retina version of Apple’s small format iPad to be introduced in the middle of the third quarter.

As far as the specs go, DisplaySearch analyst, Paul Semenza believes the mini’s display should boast a resolution of 2,048 by 1,536 pixels, which he said is “the typical step up when you go to Retina.” If Apple stays with a 7.9-inch screen, the pixel density would reach 324 pixels per inch which is almost identical to the 326 ppi panel used in the iPhone 5. By comparison, the current iPad mini employs a 1,024 by 768 display with a pixel density of 163 ppi.

To compete with Apple, Google is thought to be readying a follow up to its Nexus 7. The updated tablet will supposedly up screen resolution to 1,920 by 1,200 pixels, which is in line with Apple’s Retina-level panels at a pixel density of 323 ppi. Ultimately, we’ll just have to wait and see what happens and how each device will turn out.

"If Apple stays with a 7.9-inch screen, the pixel density would reach 324 pixels per inch which is almost identical to the 326 ppi panel used in the iPhone 5. By comparison, the current iPad mini employs a 1,024 by 768 display with a pixel density of 163 ppi."

Current iPad has 163 ppi. If they kept the same 7.9" screen and doubled the pixel density, how is that 324 ppi? Redo that math. It's the same pixel density as the iPhone's.

Nexus 7 released in July and iPad mini in November of 2012. To keep up with the yearly refresh I would think Nexus would come first. Google isn't releasing to beat out the mini but its just time to release an update.

Ive been wanting a Nexus 7 since launch but I wanted a higher es display and expandable memory. Id get the iPad mini HD "IF" the price is not more than $320-ish

Just for your reference, since you're looking to buy one: I have both a Nexus 7 and a 3rd Gen iPad. The DPI of the 3rd Gen iPad's actually just 264dpi (same as the 4th Gen iPad) -- quite a bit less than an iPhone 5's 326dpi. The Nexus 7's is 216dpi. That isn't quite iPad-level retina but it's essentially equivalent to that on a 'Retina' MacBook Pro (220dpi).

In terms of the crispness of text, you can't really tell a huge difference between the Nexus 7 and the iPad. That's important if you plan to use the Nexus 7 for reading, which is what I use mine for primarily. Also, images generally tend to look pretty high-res on a Nexus 7. I think once you get past 200dpi, panels start to look very crisp.

The complaint I've read among other Nexus 7 users isn't so much the screen resolution as it is the panel's color reproduction. A lot of people think it's washed out. I personally don't think so -- the colors on a Nexus 7 look a lot like that on a MacBook Pro using the standard color profile -- but your personal preference may be different from mine.

Also, I hope that when Google releases their next Nexus 7, they use better speakers -- the internet's littered with complaints about busted Nexus 7 speakers (I had mine replaced after a month) or low volume. In contrast even though the iPad's speakers won't win any awards, they're pretty loud and ideal for consuming media on the go when you don't have a portable blue tooth speak with you and it's too inconvenient to use headphones... and if you're getting one, the Wi-Fi + Wireless is the model to get. Always-on data is awesome.

And it has GPS chip unlike the Ipad Mini wifi, that may just as well be shipped with location services disabled, because for location apps that require any degree of accuracy it is useless. When will apple include a GPS chip in their non cellular hardware.